Microsoft Denies New Tracking Service in Windows 11

Key Points:

• Microsoft has denied the existence of a new tracking service in Windows 11, clarifying that the service in question has been present for some time and is part of the user feedback system, which is optional and can be disabled.
• Some users expressed concerns about telemetry and data collection, with claims that certain services like CTFmon could act as keyloggers, although others clarified that CTFmon is a language-related service and does not transmit data to Microsoft.
• Discussions highlighted the distinction between telemetry and diagnostic services, with Microsoft and some commentators emphasizing that data transmission occurs only with explicit user feedback submissions, not automatically.
• There is ongoing skepticism among some users about Microsoft's data collection practices, including references to the GDID function that allegedly fingerprints Windows 11 installations, raising privacy concerns.
• Overall, the debate reflects a mix of user mistrust, calls for clearer communication from Microsoft, and differing opinions on the extent and transparency of background telemetry services in Windows 11.